What is the difference between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes?

A:

Quick Answer

Patients with Type 1 diabetes have a complete lack of insulin, while patients with Type 2 diabetes have too little insulin, or their bodies do not use insulin effectively, states WebMD. Between 90 percent and 95 percent of diabetics suffer from Type 2 diabetes.

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Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs when the body's immune system destroys insulin-producing cells, resulting in the elimination of insulin from the body, according to WebMD. People with Type 1 diabetes typically display symptoms during childhood or in their young adult years, and may become seriously ill due to a lack of insulin to break down sugar in the blood. People with Type 1 diabetes may also suffer from periods of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented through changes in diet or overall health.

People with Type 2 diabetes may not show any symptoms of the disease, which presents itself primarily in adults, though the number of children with Type 2 diabetes is rising, as of 2015, notes WebMD. People with Type 2 diabetes do not suffer from hypoglycemia as commonly as those with Type 1 diabetes, though the condition can be brought on through the use of insulin or diabetes medications. People can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes through healthy diet and exercise plans that contribute to better overall health.